International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia marked in Parliament

Thursday (May 17) was International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and Eastleigh’s MP Mims Davies, joined cross-party colleagues for a debate in the House of Commons Chamber to mark it. The MP also met with a constituent and Transgender Activist Tara Maclachlan.

Mims Davies said in a press release:

“It was a privilege to be able to sit on the front bench for this key debate in the Commons Chamber today and listen carefully to my colleagues as they spoke passionately about how important it is for us all that we tackle homophobia, transphobia and biphobia in our communities, across the UK as well as around the globe.

“I am proud of the action that this Government has taken to support the LGBTI community, equalising marriage, introducing a new offence for the incitement of homophobic hatred and officially adding gender reassignment as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act.

“Nevertheless, some of the speeches in today’s debate reported truly harrowing accounts of abuse – both verbal and physical – against LGBTI people in our communities. Having listened to constituents, I am particularly aware of their concerns over the approach taken by the media to LGBTI people, and I will continue to take these concerns forward.

“Meanwhile, in Parliament I am delighted to have served on the Women and Equalities Select Committee as it launched its first inquiry into Transgender Equality, spoken in numerous debates on LGBTI rights, met with constituents to discuss local and national LGBTI issues, and visited local charities to thank them for their important work in this area.

“Today’s debate demonstrated just how much more there is to do if we are to truly tackle Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on a global scale. I welcomed the Minister’s commitment to achieving this, acknowledging my lobbying and announcing that the consultation on the Gender Recognition Act 2004 will be introduced before the summer recess, and I look forward to working with her and others in future.”